Larry Charles Dodge

Larry Charles Dodge, 67, returned to our Heavenly Father on January 20, 2018 after a valiant battle with leukemia and various health issues.  His devotion to his family, his firm belief in God, two little puppies, and his determination to connect families through genealogy sustained him and brought him peace through his trials.

Larry was born to Lindford Charles Dodge and Sarah Almeda Skillman in Pendleton, Oregon on May 4, 1950.  As a child, Larry grew up traveling the United States stopping about 18 months at a time due to his father's job. One of Larry’s most favorite places to be as a child was at his Grandfather’s cabin on Whidbey Island, Washington.  Larry was active in The Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man.  In 1966, his family moved to Roy, Utah where he graduated from Roy High in 1968.  While in Roy, he met the love of his life, Trena Horne.  Following his high school graduation, Larry and Trena dated while Larry attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated in 1973.  

On June 8, 1973, Larry and Trena were married for time and all eternity in the Manti, Utah LDS Temple.  Larry and Trena were blessed with six children during their 44 plus years of marriage.  Larry served his country as a Aircraft Navigator with The United States Air Force for over 13 years.  After leaving the USAF in 1986, he made his home in Franktown, Colorado where he lived until his death. Larry thrived on change and new learning experiences.  This allowed him the opportunity to own and operate a pawn shop and later in life he was a talented genealogist and passionate public speaker.  

His years of experience made Larry a grand story teller.  He had great patience, and never lost a battle putting his grand babies to sleep, which he then cherished holding until they awoke.  Larry and Trena instilled in their children a celebration of hard work, appreciation for freedom and the world around them, and a love of education.  He sharpened many skills while being a father. Perhaps the most memorable were his unique ability to instantly see multiple ways of doing things and then apply his knowledge and insight to make good decisions or help others see pros and cons of their choices, and his ability to debate.  As soon as he would get you convinced to side with him, he would argue the other side. He loved to play devil's advocate.

Larry was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) and his life work was to unite families through genealogy.  He found great joy in learning the stories of those who had lived before us and their experiences. He was an avid researcher, collected pictures and compiled family histories. He loved the challenge of solving puzzles and opening the dead ends. He was passionate about exciting others and devoted many hours to speaking at genealogical events across the country as well as working one on one with people in their homes or in the LDS Family History Center.

Larry is survived by his wife, Trena (Horne) Dodge, their six children (and spouses): Lashi (Amy) Dodge, Letha (Jeff) Mellman, Crystel (Brandon) Sheard, Dayna Frossard, Jennifer Bennett, and Sharie (Logan Meyer) Dodge, their 21 grandchildren, and his brother, Lex Dodge.  He is preceded in death by his parents.

We invite anyone who wishes  to join us in celebrating Larry’s life by attending the funeral services and/or interment.  Funeral services for Larry will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018, at 11:00 am, with a viewing from 9:00-10:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints Parker South Stake Center, 7160 Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134. Interment will take place following the funeral services at The United States AIr Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs at 1:30 pm.    

Because of Larry’s love of education, an account has been set up to assist with the costs of Larry’s grandchildren’s college educations.  The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to this account. At this time, donations can be made visiting, https://larrydodgememorialfund.weebly.com/  Checks can be sent to Parker Funeral Home and Crematory at 10325 Parkglenn Way, Parker, CO 80138 or (303)-841-4004. Please make donations to the Larry Dodge Memorial Education Fund payable to Trena Dodge.   

LARRY DODGE MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND
larrydodgememorialfund.weebly.com
 

We as a family would like to thank all those who have shared in his life, offered love, and support.  We love you and are blessed to have you in our lives. We would like to especially thank Mike and Lorraine Clayton and Bob and Kathy Gulbransen and our Ward family for the many hours of service they have provided to Larry and his family.

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